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Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole

Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole

A hearty and comforting Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole that combines tender potatoes, smoky sausage, and melted cheddar cheese for a delicious, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This easy one-dish recipe is packed with flavor, simple to prepare, and adaptable to suit various tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 3 cups Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Protein & Dairy

  • 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
  • 2 cups sharp or mild cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup milk or cream
  • 3 tbsp butter

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp paprika or smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients: Peel and dice potatoes into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Slice the smoked sausage into rounds. Finely chop onions and mince garlic. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook Potatoes and Sausage: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant and softened. Add smoked sausage and cook until lightly browned. Add diced potatoes and cook together for 5-7 minutes to begin softening the potatoes and blend flavors.
  3. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the skillet mixture into a greased casserole dish. Pour in milk or cream to bind ingredients and keep the casserole moist. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Bake casserole in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is melted and golden brown. Remove and let rest for 5-10 minutes to set and enhance flavors before serving.

Notes

  • Soak diced potatoes in cold water for 20 minutes before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent gummy texture.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting and better flavor, avoiding pre-shredded varieties.
  • Cook garlic and onions slowly over medium heat to develop richer flavor instead of rushing at high heat.
  • Cut potatoes evenly to ensure uniform tenderness during baking.
  • Let casserole rest after baking to firm up and make portioning easier.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy casserole, smoked sausage, potato casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, baked casserole, weeknight meal, gluten free